Search the Trivallis website

News

Beth’s getting by with a little help from STEPS

In 2014, Beth was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS); a condition that means she is in constant unbearable pain.

CRPS causes the affected body part to become so sensitive that the slightest touch or change in temperature can hurt. Over time it can improve or get completely better but sometimes it never goes away and the affected person can experience this pain for many years.

Beth has been a Trivallis tenant since 2008 so she knew Trivallis had support services available but she wasn’t sure exactly what they were and how they could help. Following a chat with the contact centre, she was put through to our Sustaining Tenancies Empowering People Support Services (STEPS) team who were happy to get involved.

Three months after meeting Clare (Trivallis Tenancy Support Officer), Beth’s life is starting to improve for the better.

“Clare has been there a lot and she’s taken so much stress away. I was feeling really overwhelmed but now everything has lifted and I feel much more able to do stuff.

“I’m managing to get by on a daily basis which is better than before. I feel like I’ve got more confidence and it’s all because Clare came along.

“When we first met she told me we could sort everything out and she was true to her word, and in such a short space of time.”

How do STEPS help?

Trivallis Tenancy Support Officers work closely with our more vulnerable tenants to help them stay on top of their tenancy agreement.

Clare worked with Beth to get some adaptations done to her home so she can live more independently.

“I wasn’t able to do anything before but now I’ve got a trolley, I can make a cup of tea and bring it back to the living room. It’s so nice to be able to sit down to drink a cup of tea,” said Beth.

Clare also helped to maximise Beth’s income so she can pay her bills and rent without having to worry, and she supported Beth by going with her to meetings about her finances.

“It’s helped me massively because I hate going to meetings where people don’t understand my illness. Having Clare there as that support means she can help and prompt me if I forget to mention something.”